($555+) Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $555 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,827 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 759 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,580, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,827 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,110 - $3,504, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $555 - $1,457.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,261 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Philadelphia to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,261 - $5,556 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 76% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 759 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 759-mile route from Philadelphia to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,580 - $4,073 | $1,110 - $2,017 | $555 - $1,053 | $941 - $1,678 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,261 - $5,556 | $1,397 - $2,744 | $551 - $1,154 | $1,118 - $2,216 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,813 - $7,827 | $1,910 - $3,504 | $757 - $1,457 | $1,411 - $2,914 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
For the 759-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Chicago, Illinois, full-service movers cost between $1,580 and $7,827. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,096 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Philadelphia generally start around $282 plus $130 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,580 - $4,073
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,261 - $5,556
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,813 - $7,827
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Chicago.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $210 - $1,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,515 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,048 - $3,144 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,620 - $10,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $785 - $1,491 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type34% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Ramsey's Moving System | $681 - $2,096 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,668+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Chicago?
Look for Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Illinois beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Philadelphia, PA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,110 and $3,504. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Philadelphia typically runs around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,110 - $2,017
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,397 - $2,744
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,504
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Philadelphia, PA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $734, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $79 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Philadelphia, PA, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,110. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,397 - $2,744.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 4 years in business
- Payless Moving Inc. (4.5/5), 17 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
Renting a moving truck for the 759-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $555 and $1,457, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $253 - $289
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $555 - $1,053
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $551 - $1,154
- 4+ bedrooms: $757 - $1,457
Pro tip: A rental truck from Philadelphia to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $555 - $1,457. But once you factor in fuel ($253 - $289), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $79 and $367.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $157.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $253 and $289 for the 759-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $734 for 2 movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,118 and $2,216.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $941 - $1,678
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,118 - $2,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,411 - $2,914
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $79 and $157.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for roughly five hours typically average $734.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Chicago quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Chicago, IL
Philadelphia and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 104 in Philadelphia and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,695/mo vs. $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 75 vs 77 and safety scores are 33.91 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Pennsylvania to Illinois over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 235 movers in our Pennsylvania network to compare for this 759-mile move.
Our take
A move from Philadelphia, PA, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,580 - $7,827 on the 759-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,110 - $3,504, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $555 - $1,457. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,261 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Chicago, IL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
What do local movers charge in Philadelphia?
Local movers based in Philadelphia typically start around $282 as a base rate, plus $130/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $555 to $7,827, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,580 and $7,827, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Philadelphia, PA to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $551 - $1,154. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 34% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.